Land for displaced Kadovar Islanders

Payments were made for a piece of land measuring 3.5 hectares on the mainland so that those now settled at the Dandan care centre can make gardens and access resources to make life sustainable.

Wewak District CEO Martin Maingu said the settlers are exercising self-sustenance.

Maingau said a month has passed since he has heard of any issues arising out of Dandan Care Centre, and puts it down to the islanders just settling in.

Maingu said the District office has sent out government officials like agriculture specialists to assist the locals grow food on the acquired 3.5 hectares of land, and they have managed to plant some vegetables.

“We sent our didiman to help them with gardens. Because they are fishermen, they have been living on fish every day. With the land that the government bought, the settlers are able to cut trees and make canoes for families to go out fishing.”

Maingu said the 3.5 hectares of land was bought at K110,000. He also said money given by the government to buy food has also run out because they have had to buy and distribute store goods every two weeks.

“The Kadovar people have been getting help from NGOs as well, who provide basic needs like water tanks, clothes, food and utensils.”

Maingu seemed satisfied that children at the care centre have access to primary and elementary education while medical staff are visiting the care centre as well.

“I believe the Kadovar people are trying to be self-sustaining. There is a primary school and elementary school. A makeshift medical post has been set up and medical staff from the main hospital go there to attend to them.”

He said the next immediate plan is to build a direct road to Dandan for better accessibility to and from the care centre.

At present, anyone visiting the care centre still needs to get there by road part of the way, and then by boat.

(Residents of the care centre)